According to data published by the California Department of Public Health, the Delta variant has quickly become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the state. It is now responsible for most COVID-19 cases in California. With the Delta variant surge has come another spike in COVID-19-related workers’ compensation claims. Here, our Fresno workers’ compensation defense lawyers discuss the rise of Delta variant and surge in workers’ compensation claims in California.
COVID-19 Related Workers’ Compensation Claims Were on a Downward Trend in California
In the Spring of 2020, there was an initial spike in COVID-19 workers’ compensation claims. Through June 20, 2020, nearly 15,000 COVID-19 workers’ compensation claims were filed in California. There was another surge in claims during the Winter of 2020-2021, before cases finally started to fall off in California. A few months ago, the state had reached its lowest level of COVID-related workers’ compensation filings since the start of the pandemic.
COVID-19 Exposure Claims Jumped 400 Percent When the Delta Variant Hit California
However, the surge in cases brought on by the more-transmissible Delta variant of the virus has brought with it another spike in COVID-19 exposure workers’ compensation claims. Only 676 workers’ compensation claims for COVID-19 exposure were filed in the entire State of California in June 2021. However, in July the number of filings increased by more than 400%—rising to 2,581, a six-month high. It is the biggest month-over-month of the entire pandemic.
Los Angeles Was a “Hot-Spot”—But the Impact Was Widespread
The official workers’ compensation claims data indicates that the sharpest spike in COVID-19 exposure claims came from the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The county accounted for one quarter of all COVID-related workers’ compensation claims filed in the state in July 2021. However, the Delta variant of the virus is now widespread in California. Communities across the entire state are feeling the effects of the outbreak, including Fresno, Bakersfield, Sacramento, and other areas throughout Central California.
Many Industries are Disrupted—Public Safety Leads in Claims
COVID-19 has an impact on every industry—but especially those where remote operations are impractical or impossible. Notably, public safety continues to have the greatest share of total virus exposure related workers’ compensation claims. State data indicates that one in five people who file for workers’ compensation benefits because of COVID-19 are public safety employees. This ratio has remained relatively consistent throughout the entire course of the pandemic.
Contact Our Central California Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorneys for Help
At Yrulegui & Roberts, we are proud to provide zealous, aggressive legal representation to our clients. If you have any specific questions or concerns about Delta variant COVID-19 claims, we are here to help. Contact us by phone or connect with us online to arrange a fully confidential initial legal consultation. We are proud to provide workers’ compensation defense representation throughout all of Central California, including in Fresno County, Kern County, and Sacramento County.
